Herpetology Day will be held at Serpent Mound on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many species of native snakes, turtles and lizards will be on live display and will be featured in educational presentations that will be ongoing throughout the day.
This is a chance to get up front and personal with reptiles and overcome your fears, if you have them, of these valuable, beautiful and sadly diminishing wild animals native to Ohio. Although reptiles will be highlighted on this day, some native amphibians will also share center stage. Programs are suitable for both adults and children. Teens will have the opportunity to make useful toad abodes for the garden. Children can opt to have their faces painted in the likeness of their favorite reptile or amphibian.
A junior herpetologist guided hike will be offered to children ages 9 and up, preregistration required. Young naturalists will be taught how to best spot reptiles and learn where they live, when they are active, and what they eat, recording any species that they are lucky enough to observe.
Tim Goodwin, manager of Serpent Mound says, “With native reptile populations declining, it is very important to teach children the importance of conserving and protecting our wildlife.”
The event is free to the public with an $8 car parking fee. To learn more about this event and to register for the junior herpetologist guided hike, visit www.arcofappalachia.org/return-of-the-snakes. For any questions you can call 937-365-1935 or email [email protected].
Submitted by Kayla Hanning, visitor services coordinator, Arc of Appalachia.
